In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict The macOS operating system is viewed as being relatively secure, but it can’t protect your privacy online or stop advertisers, hackers, or your ISP from tracking your data. The best Mac VPNs, however, can secure and anonymize your connection and make your internet use truly private.
In addition, good Mac VPNs will enable you to get around geo-restrictions and censorship and access streaming content libraries from around the world. I’ve tested 20 VPNs based on our comprehensive assessment methodology to create a shortlist of the best VPNs for Mac users, looking at speed, security, and value for money. Read on to find the ideal provider for your needs.
- Show Full Guide
The Best Mac VPN Apps Ranked
- NordVPN – Best VPN for Mac overall
- Surfshark – Best Mac VPN for value for money
- ExpressVPN – Best Mac VPN for beginners
- PureVPN – Best VPN for Mac for streaming
- IPVanish – Best Mac VPN for gaming
Why Do You Need a VPN on a Mac?
The thought that a Mac device would require a VPN was laughable for years. After all, viruses and other potential dangers that a VPN protects against are mainly targeted at Windows users.
In recent years, that has changed a lot. While Apple still produces devices with security in mind, hackers, third-party apps, and websites can still find loopholes in macOS.
Your real IP address and browsing behavior on Mac are trackable by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). As powerful as your MacOS is, it’s ill-equipped to block the above threats. A VPN remains a qualified defense against data tracking, identity theft, malware invasion, and some form of hacking.
The VPN will:
- Encrypt your network connection, making it challenging for third parties such as hackers, ISPs, and even the government to monitor your internet activities.
- Secure your data transmission between your Mac and the internet.
- Bypass geo-restrictions by allowing you to connect to servers in different locations worldwide.
- Mask your IP address to offer a degree of anonymity online. This might be critical when you want to keep your online activities private from advertisers, websites, and even ISPs.
- Prevent online tracking from websites that monitor your online behavior for advertising or analytic purposes.
Apple’s privacy measures alone cannot offer you all the above.
The Best VPNs for Mac Reviewed
With so many Mac VPNs on the market, finding the best option for your needs may be difficult. However, to help you make an informed decision, I’ve tested 20 Virtual Private Network providers based on their security, features, price, and compatibility with Macs and narrowed down a shortlist of the five top providers.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Mac Overall
| Starting Price | $3.39/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on Android |
| Key Features | Threat Protection, Obfuscated Servers, NordLynx Protocol |
| Mac App Available | ✅ |
| Server Network | 6,800+ servers in 111+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 10 – macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN is the overall best Mac VPN, thanks to its versatility. It offers affordable pricing, advanced security features, and a verified no-logs policy. It’s also among the fastest VPNs on the market, making it a great option for streaming and gaming.
Security and Features
With headquarters in Panama, NordVPN is outside the jurisdiction of 14 Eyes Alliance and is under no obligation to share user data with any government. Its no-logs policy has also been verified by Deloitte.
Security-wise, you get obfuscated servers to mask your VPN traffic, AES-256 encryption, and Double VPN functionality for an extra layer of protection.
- Threat Protection – This is NordVPN’s anti-malware and web protection feature. It scans downloaded files and websites for malicious code to keep viruses, trackers, and phishing attacks at bay. During my tests, the tool hit a 100% detection rate against 1,000+ malicious website samples.
- Onion Over VPN – NordVPN gives you access to the Tor network and its anonymity without the need to use an additional browser. Combined with the VPN’s solid encryption, it’s a bulletproof way to circumvent censorship and government restrictions. However, I saw a moderate impact on performance when using the feature.
Performance and Unblocking
NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol was designed to keep security high without sacrificing speeds, and it proved to be highly effective in my tests. It retained 930Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline connection speed, and I noticed no increase in latency when playing online games like Warzone.
With over 6,800 servers across 111 countries, NordVPN makes quick work of geo-restrictions. In my tests, it easily unblocked the international streaming libraries of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Max – and did so without buffering, regardless of server distance.
Ease of Use
NordVPN’s Mac app is almost identical to its Windows counterpart, offering the same beginner-friendly experience.
You get a list of countries on the left and an interactive map on the right, and you can connect to a server with a single click. I also enjoyed the fast access to specialized servers and features like Double VPN and obfuscation.
Pricing
NordVPN is competitively priced, with its entry-level plan starting at $3.39/month for a two-year subscription, including the core VPN functionality. If you want more, there’s the Plus plan, which costs $4.39/month and adds a password manager, Threat Protection, an ad blocker, and a data breach scanner.
All NordVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and let you protect up to ten devices. There’s also a 7-day trial on Android devices.
Who It’s Best For
With a large server network, high-level security, and a proven privacy commitment, NordVPN is the best option for users looking to secure their connection or who need to bypass ISP and government restrictions to access international content.
For more information, read our NordVPN review.
Pros
- Intuitive macOS app
- Advanced security features
- Reliable kill switch
- Verified no-logs policy
- Great speed retention
Cons
- No free trial on macOS
2. Surfshark – Best Mac VPN for Value for Money
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on Android, iOS, and macOS |
| Key Features | Camouflage Mode, MultiHop, CleanWeb 2.0 |
| Mac App Available | ✅ |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | Unlimited – macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark offers great value for money and is among the cheapest Mac VPNs on this list. This doesn’t mean it skimps on features, though, as it provides comprehensive security, an audited no-logs policy, and great performance.
Security and Features
Surfshark operates on RAM-only servers and boasts an independently verified no-logs policy, certifying that it doesn’t retain or share any of your usage data.
Security is also on par with the competition, with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption in use, plus MultiHop VPN connections, a reliable kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention.
- CleanWeb 2.0 – Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature, available on both iOS and macOS, blocks ads on websites and streaming platforms, scans pages for malicious elements, and prevents tracking to ensure a secure browsing experience. I liked that it was enabled by default, so there was no need to tweak the settings.
- MultiHop – This is Surfshark’s double VPN feature, which lets you route your traffic through two servers rather than one. This provides an extra layer of encryption, making it virtually impossible for ISPs and governments to track you.
Performance and Unblocking
Surfshark performed even better for connection speeds than NordVPN in my tests. I kept 950Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline internet speed, and I saw no slowdown, even when connected to servers halfway around the world.
Surfshark operates a 3,200-strong server fleet spread across 100+ countries to give you easy access to region-locked websites and streaming platforms. I was able to watch shows like Breaking Bad on Netflix US and Peaky Blinders on the iPlayer without issues.
With Surfshark’s solid speed retention, streaming in 4K was buffer-free, with no drops in quality.
Ease of Use
The VPN’s macOS app is clean and intuitive. You’ll see a list of countries and separate tabs for virtual, P2P, and MultiHop servers. I also appreciated the option to automatically connect to either a neighboring country or the fastest server available.
Pricing
Surfshark’s most affordable plan starts at $2.19/month and includes the VPN’s core features. For $0.50/month more, you can subscribe to Surfshark One and benefit from 24/7 antivirus protection, plus email, ID, and credit card breach alerts.
Regardless of your plan, you get unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. There’s also a 7-day free trial for iOS and Mac devices. See how it compares to the competition in our guide to the cheapest VPNs on the market.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is the best option for those who need a cheap and reliable VPN service for long-term use. With no hidden price hikes and unlimited connections, it’s also a great solution for families and budget-conscious users.
For more information, read our Surfshark review.
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Free trial for iOS and macOS users
- Among the fastest VPNs on the market
- Verified no-logs policy
- Obfuscation and double VPN features
Cons
- Comparatively small VPN server network
3. ExpressVPN – Best Mac VPN for Beginners
| Starting Price | $4.99/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day iOS and Android trial |
| Key Features | Built-In Obfuscation, Threat Manager, Lightway Protocol |
| Mac App Available | ✅ |
| Server Network | 3,000+ in 105+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 8 – macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN offers a well-rounded feature set and keeps it simple with a clean and intuitive Mac app interface. It’s also easy to configure and customize, eliminating the guesswork when using a VPN for the first time.
Security and Features
ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated by default, making your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS browsing transfers. The provider also uses TrustedServer technology to ensure none of your personal data or activities are recorded to a hard drive.
You get an effective Network Lock kill switch, too, protecting you in the event your VPN connection drops, plus military-grade encryption to keep your connection secure.
- Threat Manager – This feature prevents third parties like ISPs, advertisers, and vendors from collecting and sharing your personal information or tracking your online behavior. I was also happy to discover that the provider keeps a frequently updated blocklist of trackers and malicious sites, so new threats are quickly handled.
- Private DNS – Unlike competitors like PureVPN, ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS on all servers to automatically protect your requests. This plugs the last security hole that trackers could exploit, guaranteeing you private internet access.
Performance and Unblocking
ExpressVPN offers solid 700Mbps speeds with its OpenVPN – UDP and IKEv2 protocols. However, its in-house solution, Lightway, could use some improvement, as it cut my 1Gbps connection speed almost in half to 560 Mbps.
With 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN provides good coverage for unblocking international content. In my testing, I found accessing Hulu from an unsupported region to be seamless, but I did notice occasional buffering when streaming in 4K.
Ease of Use
ExpressVPN offers a beginner-friendly experience across all platforms, and macOS is no exception. You get two main screens – one with a list of countries and another with a prominent On/Off button and details on your current connection. The interface is as clean as it gets, and tweaking the advanced settings is easy.
Pricing
ExpressVPN is pricier than the competition, with its most affordable plan starting at $4.99/month for a one-year subscription. Its plans differ only in length, so you get the same features regardless of the option you choose.
There’s a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS, but you can still test the Mac app risk-free with ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It’s Best For
ExpressVPN is ideal for newbie VPN users who need solid security without a steep learning curve. In addition to its intuitive apps, it offers various support channels, including a 24/7 live chat option that offers quick solutions to potential problems.
For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly macOS app
- Helpful customer support channels
- Effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Built-in obfuscation
Cons
- Pricier than the competition
- Limited customizability
4. PureVPN – Best VPN for Mac for Streaming
| Starting Price | $2.14/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial for $0.99 |
| Key Features | Tracker Blocker, Password Manager, 20Gbps Servers |
| Mac App Available | ✅ |
| Server Network | 6,000+ in in 65+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | 10 – macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
PureVPN impressed me with its strategically distributed server network and solid performance. The provider offers 20Gbps servers in numerous locations, making it a perfect option for geo-unblocking and high-quality streaming.
Security and Features
With PureVPN, your connection is protected by AES-256 encryption and highly secure VPN protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2.
What stands out, though, is PureVPN’s Always-On Audit approach. This leaves the provider’s no-logs policy open to independent auditing at all times and without prior notice, ensuring that your personal info remains private.
- Tracker Blocker – PureVPN proactively scans the websites you visit for hidden trackers and blocks them. I liked that the feature works silently in the background and is always on, so there’s no need for extra configuration.
- Mac Add-ons – PureVPN also offers affordable add-ons for further customization. You can get port forwarding for stable connections while gaming and a dedicated IP for secure access to sensitive accounts like business resources or bank accounts.
Performance and Unblocking
While connected to some of PureVPN’s standard servers, I saw a drop of almost 400Mbps from my 1Gbps baseline speed. However, with 20Gbps options, I maintained an average of 750Mbps and saw no lag while gaming – and the streaming quality was great, too.
PureVPN’s server network consists of 6,000 servers in 65 countries, so you shouldn’t experience any crowding. I was able to unblock Netflix’s US library from Europe hassle-free, and streaming in high resolutions was perfectly smooth.
Ease of Use
PureVPN’s Mac interface is fairly standard, with a minimalist design and clearly labeled menus for servers, profile settings, and advanced options. The app is lightweight and responsive and will feel familiar and intuitive if you’ve used a VPN before.
Pricing
PureVPN’s entry-level option costs $2.14/month if you commit for five years and includes its core VPN functionality, plus the Tracker Blocker. The next tier is Plus, which costs $2.96/month and adds a password manager and a file encryption tool.
All plans include a 31-day money-back guarantee and allow ten device connections. If you want a test drive, there’s a 7-day trial for $0.99.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend PureVPN for streaming fans who want a stable, high-performing Mac VPN. You’ll get solid speed retention for buffer-free playback and a substantial server network for seamless geo-unblocking.
For more information, read our PureVPN review.
Pros
- Unblocks most streaming platforms
- 20Gbps servers
- Good variety of add-ons
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Split tunneling only available on Android and Windows
- Paid trial
5. IPVanish – Best Mac VPN for Gaming
| Starting Price | $2.19/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day trial on iOS and Android |
| Key Features | Obfuscation, DDoS Attack Protection, SOCKS5 Proxy |
| Mac App Available | ✅ |
| Server Network | 2,400+ in in 75+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility | Unlimited – macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers |
Why We Picked It
IPVanish offers top-notch security features and great performance for lag-free gaming. It’s also highly customizable, giving you flexibility for everyday tasks online.
Security and Features
The VPN encrypts your traffic and provides industry-leading protocols, including WireGuard, to keep your connection secure.
Privacy-wise, IPVanish’s US headquarters might raise some questions, but the provider’s no-logs policy has been audited and verified by Leviathan Security Group.
- SOCKS5 Proxy – IPVanish is the only provider I’ve tested for this guide that offers a SOCKS5 proxy for better performance while streaming or gaming. The feature reroutes your traffic and hides your IP address for improved anonymity but forgoes encryption to minimize speed loss.
- Gaming Features – I found that IPVanish does a great job of evading ISP throttling during bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming. It also hides all device-identifying data, helping to prevent DDoS attack targeting.
Performance and Unblocking
IPVanish fared well for connection speeds during my tests, retaining 720Mbps of my 1Gbps baseline. Gaming was lag-free regardless of server distance, and I didn’t notice any buffering while streaming.
With a comparatively small network of 2,400 servers in 75+ countries, IPVanish still has plenty of coverage for access to major streaming platforms like HBO Max and Amazon Prime. Quality was also good during my tests, but the VPN failed to unblock Disney+ for me.
Ease of Use
I found IPVanish’s macOS app a bit cluttered, although navigation was easy thanks to the multiple options available on the home screen.
I also liked the server load metrics, which allowed me to pick uncrowded options, plus the detailed performance data on the dashboard. However, tweaking the advanced settings could’ve been more intuitive.
Pricing
IPVanish’s pricing kicks off at $2.19/month with a two-year subscription. The only difference between plans is the subscription length, so you’ll always get the same features and support for unlimited device connections.
There’s a 7-day trial on iOS and Android, so you can test the VPN service before committing, and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee after purchase.
Who It’s Best For
IPVanish is my top recommendation for gamers. The provider offers solid performance for lag-free gaming, plus robust privacy and security features to prevent ISP throttling and DDoS attacks.
For more information, read our IPVanish review.
Pros
- Great speed retention
- Gaming-orientated features
- Free trial on iOS
- Useful customization options
Cons
- Comparatively small server network
- Occasional issues with geo-unblocking
Comparing the Best VPNs for Mac
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Max Connections | Server Count | Server Locations | Mac App Available | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Best Overall | $2.99/month | 10 | 6,800+ | 111+ | ✅ | 30 days |
| Surfshark | Affordable Mac VPN | $1.99/month | Unlimited | 3,200+ | 100+ | ✅ | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | Beginners | $4.99/month | 8 | 3,000+ | 105+ | ✅ | 30 days |
| PureVPN | Streaming on Mac | $1.69/month | 10 | 6,500+ | 65+ | ✅ | 31 days |
| IPVanish | Gaming on Mac | $2.19/month | Unlimited | 2,400+ | 75+ | ✅ | 30 days |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
How to Choose the Best Macbook VPN
Picking the right VPN provider for your Mac device can be challenging. The market has hundreds of VPN apps claiming to be the best for Mac users.
Based on my testing of VPNs over the years and extensive research, here are some factors to consider when choosing a VPN:
Privacy
Privacy is a core factor when choosing a Mac VPN. A VPN that can’t protect your online privacy enough isn’t worth it. At a minimum, your VPN should offer industry-standard AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, a zero-logs policy, a kill switch, and obfuscation.
Other privacy features you should look for include third-party security audits, a multi-hop connection, Tor-over-VPN capabilities, a tracker, and ad blockers. For additional security tools, see our guide to the best antiviruses for Mac.
Connection Speed
Mac devices have reputable speeds. You’ll probably want a VPN that complements your machine’s excellent speeds.
Your VPN speed will have a noticeable impact on your online experience, whether gaming, streaming, downloading, web browsing, or video conferencing, so it’s important to pick a high-speed solution.
Functionality and Compatibility
Apple devices are known for their clutter-free and simple interface. You’d want a similar experience with the VPN app you use. The best Mac VPN runs smoothly and has a clean and intuitive user interface that’s easy to navigate, even for new users.
Server Fleet
Look for a provider with a large global server network so you can connect wherever you are. The VPN should grant you access to geo-restricted content in different regions while also having servers nearby for the best performance.
Price
The cost of VPNs varies depending on the provider and the package offered. If budget is a factor, compare the price and overall value of your macOS VPN. Generally, expect to spend between $1.50 and $13 a month for a VPN subscription.
However, nearly all VPNs offer a money-back guarantee that ranges from 7 to 45 days. Other Mac VPNs offer a 7-day trial that requires you to sign up through Apple’s app store. Before investing in one, you can test several VPNs with a money-back guarantee.
How to Use a VPN With MacOS
In this guide, I’ll use ExpressVPN to show you how to use a VPN with MacOS. Here are step-by-step instructions to getting started:
- Sign up for Express VPN on any web browser on your Mac device.
- After subscribing, select “My Account” on ExpressVPN’s site. Enter your email and password to access the ExpressVPN dashboard.
- Select the “Download for Mac” button to get ExpressVPN on your Mac.
- Next, double-click on the download to launch the ExpressVPN installer. Hit the “Continue” button several times and select “Install” at the bottom right of the screen to start the installation.
- Once the installation is complete, find Express VPN in the “Application” folder.
- Select Sign in and copy and paste the Express VPN activation code you got when subscribing to a plan. Your Mac will ask you to allow your VPN to install a VPN configuration. Click “Allow” to complete the setup.
- ExpressVPN will appear on your home screen. Click the ON/OFF icon, and the VPN will connect to the nearest server.
- To disconnect the VPN, select the ON/OFF icon.
- To select a different server, click the three dots (…) on the bottom right of “Smart Location” and select a country or server name. Wait for your Express VPN screen to turn green, and you’ll be connected.
Can You Use a Free VPN on a Mac?
You can use a free VPN on your Mac if you need one for occasional light use or a short-term period. Proton VPN is one of the best free VPNs for Mac.
However, if you’re looking for a free Mac VPN, you should think twice, as they generally come with a range of major limitations, including:
- Security and privacy risks: A free VPN might lack robust encryption, while some might log your data or engage in questionable privacy practices.
- Data limitations: Most free Mac VPNs have data limitation caps like 2GB a month, which might limit your online experience.
- Poor performance: Nearly all free VPNs have a speed cap that might impact your online activity, especially if you engage in activities that demand high bandwidth. Plus, free VPNs often have unreliable connection speeds because of too much internet traffic on the server.
- Limited server location: Your ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively might be limited.
- Intrusive ads: Some providers adopt ad-supported models or sell your data. You could experience intrusive advertisements and compromised privacy.
If you prioritize security, privacy, and reliability, it’s better to opt for a paid VPN. You’ll get advanced security features, superior connection speed, better customer support, and a larger server network. Plus, top providers like NordVPN and Surfshark offer generous free trials and money-back guarantees, so you’ll have plenty of time to test them for free.
Conclusion – What is the Best VPN for Mac?
While Macs are considered to be relatively secure, your internet connection remains vulnerable to tracking, bandwidth throttling, and hacking. However, a reliable VPN can mitigate these risks, protect your privacy, and enhance your experience online by giving you access to geo-restricted services and content.
To help you find the best Mac VPN, I’ve tested 20 leading providers and found NordVPN to be the top option.
Its robust features – like AES-256 encryption, obfuscation, and a verified no-logs policy – keep your personal data safe and protect you from online threats. NordVPN’s global server fleet easily bypasses content restrictions, and with its web protection tools, you get one of the most well-rounded VPNs out there.
